Holland Junior School

At Holland Junior School, we offer a curriculum which is broad and balanced and which builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills of all children, whatever their starting points, as they progress through Key Stage 2. The curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum 2014 and other experiences and opportunities which best meet the learning and developmental needs of the pupils in our school. The aim of our curriculum is for pupils to have the requisite skills to be successful, independent and motivated learners in readiness for their next stage of education. It is important that the curriculum considers the development of the whole child and not only concentrate on academic success.

The National Curriculum is delivered using an integrated topic approach and assessed using Target Tracker statements (National Curriculum) as a basis to ensure coverage and progression throughout the school. The more able learners are challenged further in their learning and children who find aspects of their learning more difficult are appropriately supported so that they too are enabled to experience success. National requirements and school requirements are mapped out as a whole school and then individual year groups plan the curriculum for their pupils accordingly. The curriculum is underpinned by the school’s Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Positivity, Perseverance and Honesty) and these are taught on their own and through other areas of the curriculum, including assemblies. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils and their understanding of the core values of our society are woven through the curriculum.

The English curriculum is taught using elements of a strategy called "Talk for Writing" (T4W), which develops pupils’ writing skills through imitation, innovation and independence. Some sessions of Guided or Group Reading are also taught through this strategy. Alongside “Talk for Writing,” children experience lessons on grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. We promote a love for reading though high quality texts, class books and our well resourced school library. Each classroom has an attractive book corner and pupils are regularly given time to enjoy reading independently or to share a book with a friend. Most pupils arriving at our school have already learnt to read although we run several interventions including Project X Code and Lexia to ensure all pupils are supported in making good progress.

The mathematics curriculum is delivered through a framework called the "White Rose" Scheme of Work. This scheme enables children to develop their reasoning, investigative and problem solving skills. In all year groups there are small group interventions in order to support pupils in gaining the key skills to become successful readers, writers and mathematicians.

Specialist teachers and instructors support Music, Modern Foreign Languages, Forest School and Physical Education. All subject leaders are offered training and the opportunity to keep developing their own subject knowledge, skills and understanding so they can support curriculum development and their colleagues throughout the school. Theme weeks, whole school activities and opportunities within and outside school all enrich and develop the children’s learning. After school clubs and events extend these opportunities further. Additional whole school programmes and approaches support quality teaching and learning and the school is well resourced in terms of learning materials, books and technology.

The outdoor environment and the local community are considered an opportunity for active learning for all our pupils. The school grounds have been developed to facilitate the enrichment of different curriculum areas, particularly Science. Forest School actively supports the emotional wellbeing of our pupils as well as enabling them to learn to manage risk and harness their creativity.

Pupils have opportunities to share their learning with each other, their parents and carers and other learners through school-based and external exhibitions, performances, competitions and events involving other schools. Developing pupils’ independence and motivation as learners and their sense of responsibility as future citizens is at the heart of all our teaching and learning.